White-Tailed Jack Rabbit
Last Review/Updated: May 31, 2002
Lepus townsendii
Although commonly called a jack "rabbit," this lagomorph is a hare, having longer hind legs and ears than the cottontail, giving birth to precocial young, and changing its color in winter. Adults weigh about 3.4 kg (7.5 lb.). In summer, the coat is a grizzled brownish grey. In winter, the coat changes to pure white, except for black-tipped ears.
Mating occurs in April or May, with litters of about 4 young being born a month later. Young are born in a simple nest on the ground in a thicket. Does (adult females) may have one or two litters a year.
The white-tailed jack rabbit occurs in the prairie, parkland and foothill zones of southern Alberta (Edmonton region and south). It inhabits sagebrush plains, pastures and grain fields bordered by thickets. In summer, it eats a variety of green vegetation, including grasses, alfalfa and grains. In winter, it browses on the buds, bark and branches of shrubs and small trees.
